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MONTROSE, Colo. (KJCT) -Nearly half of all Americans 65 and older have prediabetes, and Montrose Regional Health is offering a program to help prevent the condition from progressing to type 2 diabetes.
The hospital’s diabetes prevention program is open to adults 18 and older who have been diagnosed with prediabetes, meet certain medical requirements and have a doctor’s referral. The program is approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Year-long program focuses on lifestyle changes
Participants complete a year of group-based classes centered on healthy lifestyle choices and increased physical activity. Hospital officials said they aim for 5 to 7 percent weight loss, a goal they said every participant in past groups has reached.
The program is available at no cost to those with Medicare Part B. A self-pay option is also offered.
Officials cite risks of untreated prediabetes
Stephanie Sheley, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation supervisor at Montrose Regional Health, said the program is designed to stop prediabetes from advancing.
“We just want to make sure that we’re not allowing that to progress to type 2 diabetes because that significantly increases our risk for heart attack or stroke and then a lot of other issues with poor wound healing,” Sheley said. “Sometimes it can lead to limb amputations.”
Informational sessions scheduled in March
Montrose Regional Health is holding two informational sessions on March 9 and March 19. The first class is scheduled to begin on March 26.
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